Mike G in SC

Eddie, Piaa is just another brand of the same thing,,, just brighter than OEM, as is the SilverStar. It is not Hi-Intensity, so just repalce like the OEM H4 bulb, no modifications. And, is just an insert bulb that fits in the headlight can. I have replaced on my RSTD, pretty simple, two side screws on the can. I have not personally replaced on my RSV. As noted, had my dealer do it while he was installing the passing lamps.

Bert, The H4 (Piaa Part # 10904, Model #H-445E) [ame=http://www.amazon.com/PIAA-10904-H4-Intense-White/dp/B000MG40QW]Amazon.com: PIAA 10904 H4 Intense White - H4 60/55W=135/125W Xtra Intense White Bulb, Twin Pack: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31E5YHnwdIL.@@AMEPARAM@@31E5YHnwdIL[/ame] Called Intense White. I don't see that model available on-line. Now, I might pick up the Extreme white anti-vibration model. I think I have one in my RSTD and my RSV. Still have one left in the twin pack. So, think the other is in the Venture. I've had the Venture 3+ years and think I had my dealer put one in when he installed the passing lamps, soon after I got it. Both Royals are better on the lamps then my Road Star was. Must be that smooth running V4!!! Mike G.

Damn,,, it's a Flux Capacitor! Good score!

Web pages to help you. The home page: http://www.hippohands.com/index.html OR,, For Yamaha product, then go to bottom for selecting RSV or First Gen. http://www.hippohands.com/YAMAHA.htm Probably a bit overkill for SC. But price is okay at $79. http://www.hippohands.com/MedU.jpg

Same for me on the Ultra Star, 6 months. I started using PIAA, now get years. Seems like I bought them off Amazon in the 2-pack.

The closer I get to retirement, the more I wonder what else they will take away. When I was young, I thought, "hey I'll retire at 55". That was young and foolish. I keep paying Social Security and Medicare,,, they keep giving it to someone else. Now,, will be happy to retire at 65. (May 2015) Hope like hell they don't make me wait till,,,,, I'm dead.

So,,, it's looking like most of us lean to the right. I'm good with that!

And, while in there, you may want to replace the passing lamp inline glass fuse holder a bayonet type (car fuses). Cost about 5 bucks at NAPA. And,,,, then use enough wire to hang the fuse through the fairing so you can access it in the same area as the headlight adjust knob. SO, then if that fuse blows, like mine did, you won't have to get into the fairing to change it. (also, the inline glass fuses tend to arc and blow easier than these) http://i.ebayimg.com/t/782-2023-NAPA-FUSE-HOLDER-/03/!B05jTQ!EWk~$(KGrHqQOKiYEw)rR8(h0BMcVspTKdg~~_3.JPG

I have the same problem, at least on the rider seat, a right seam is splitting. Not torn, just a seam comming apart, glue I think. I was figuring on taking it to some local auto uphoistery shop. I would expect Rick Butler could also do that repair,,, just guessing. Also, I have used Mean City Cycles in Maiden, NC. (Google for them) Mike G

I looked at the link this morning,,,, just fine. Looked again this evening and I got the same warning! This one took over, could not close OE, even from Task Mgr. I had to do a black button restart (power button 5 seconds) to get out of it. With that I threw everything I had at start up. No virus found but suggest you do not click OK on that box. Anyhow,,, Valkyrie,,, more like the Rune. Not as appetizing as the old one. But, as I noted the other day,,, fell in love with the 2014 black/chrome Goldwing at the Atlanta IMS Saturday. Maybe when I retire in 2 years? And now,,, not even saying "if Yamaha don't do something". Yamaha is really screwing the pooch. Mike G.

I think we are supposed to use the "Honor System". Now,,,, we could go all sorts of directions with that thought! I won't.

The high rated Purolator PURE ONE is the PL4610 & PL4612. It is gold color and has grip coating on it. Specs are better than the "L". Seems like last time I got it at Advance it was $7-8 each, and they normally have both the 10 & 12 size. See the Purolator web page link. It is for their powersports line, but does not have sizes. On the right side of the page is links to the other Purolator filters. I also see they show a line for use with synthetic oils. http://www.purolatorautofilters.net/products/pages/powersportsfilters.aspx I have used the Pure One for about 5 years and not aware of any problems, it is made well. BUT, in the last year some worthy comments have come up on this and other forums. The Pure One (and a bunch of filters) have a pressure valve that is rated for cars, which is higher than for our bikes. So, it brings up questions of if the filter is fully open to let the oil flow. I'm not a mechanic but I have found out that bikes need oil. For now, I have got back to motorcycle specific filters. Amsoil & K&N. And Advance does carry the K&N over in the MC section. I got the Amsoil filter this weekend at the IMS in Atlanta.

Sat okay at the IMS yesterday. Actually, in person, the dark blue looked better than the red. They do look good but I like more fairing protection. It did seem odd to have the console and it did not move (fixed fairing). But,,, right next to it was a BLACK BLACK Goldwing. And while the Yamaha booth had no hints for a Venture,,, That Goldwing really looks GOOD,, a really sat good.

When I went to south Alabama, below Montgomery I saw the Hyundai plant off I-65. And on I-85 just in Georgia is the Kia plant. So I bought a Hyundai Santa Fe and the door plate says made in Georgia. So, yes the companies are tied,,,, like GA-AL cousins,,,, same mom.

Not Kia, but Hyundai,,, 2011 Santa Fe Limited. Great little SUV. Has a lot of power and all the do-dads except for NAV/Camera. Assembled in south Georgia (USA). Got about 35 k miles on it. Real happy with performance and quality. Dealer support is extraordinary. Only possible complaint is that when you close the doors, with the windows open you do hear more tin than heavy like my previous Explorers. And, it actually tows better than my Explorer did. Do the Internet pricing thing with two local dealers. And let them know they have local competition and have them go twice each. They will fight for a sale. I got my wife's Honda Accord down $6000 and twice the value of my trade-in that way.

AARP sent me one of those bogus AARP trial membership cards when I was late 30's. Was at a Capt D's in WV and the senior ahead of me said,,, what about my senior discount. The cashier gave a token apology and gave him 10% back. So, I said the same thing, joking. She said something cute and I pulled out the card. She apologized, with a shudder and,,, gave me back 10%.

Mark, What you will love about either bike is the V-4 engine. Smooth and durable. Can expect 150+K miles. If you can pick up one that is only a couple of years old, you may have a 3 year warranty left. Or maybe,, as they are "end of line" you may be able to get a new/old bike from a dealer with 5 year. Last RSTD was a 2009, the color was good, I think two tone black/charcoal. You might come across one new,,,, maybe. (If I win lottery I would buy one and store it.) Good luck, time and the economy are on your side. Mike G. PS, I don't even know how to use the radio/CB/intercom on my RSV,,,, just not important.

I have both for over 3 years now. Above is the difference in the machines. The difference you may be asking about is the difference in what they are made for. The RSV is made as a tour bike. The RSTD is your daily GO bike. If you want to ride from ME to FL,,, you will much more enjoy the RSV. So will your passenger. (But, of course the RSTD will get there too.) If you want to solo in the country and mountains, the RSTD is more fun and agile and you get more breeze. (But, of course the RSV will go there too.) And yes, in ME the RSV will afford you more wind protection. What do you want to do with it? Mike G. PS: Bikes, looking at your last post,,, they BOTH have cruise control. The RSTD does not have hazzards. (In fact the buttons that do the cruise on the RSTD do the hazzards on the RSV. A real conundrum for me the first time I tried to use the cruise on the RSV!!!,,, and my wife who was following me wondering why I had the hazzards on!)

You will be able to pull it, But,,, can you STOP it? lol

HAHAHAHAHA,,,, where's the LIKE button when you need one?

Got out in '73. You could use the GI bill for OJT. Your company filled out the paperwork and made a commitment to give you regular scheduled wage increases as you train OJT. The government would pay you a monthly up front (cash to you). As you got the pay raises, they VA benefit would decrease. I took them up on it. Still doing same IT job 40 years later, just paid better. Oh and got rid of that card system!

This was already posted but got stacked down there somewhere. We're headed to a FATZ tonight for a free meal. SO: 2013 Restaurants with Veterans Day Free Meals Applebees Free Meal On Monday, November 11th, veterans and active duty military can choose from a free signature Thank You Meal menu that includes some of Applebee’s favorite items, including a 7 oz. House Sirloin, Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger, Three-Cheese Chicken & Sundried Tomato Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Double Crunch Shrimp, Chicken Tenders Platter or Oriental Chicken Salad. Must present valid Veteran’s form of identification or be in uniform. Bar Louie Free Lunch or Dinner From open to close Sunday, November 10th and Monday, November 11th every Bar Louie location across the country will offer veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value when they show valid military I.D. or other proof of service. California Pizza Kitchen On Monday, November 11, all veterans or active duty military personnel will be able to get any pizza from our menu for free (dine-in only). Please come in uniform or bring your military ID or other proof of service. Offer valid at participating CPK restaurants, excluding Guam, airport, stadium and university locations. Champps Free Cheeseburger and Fries Veterans and active-duty receive a free handcrafted burger and fries all day. Choose from a select menu. Participating locations only, check to confirm. Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse Eat Free Veterans and active-duty military eat free on Monday, 11.11.13. Valid ID required or in uniform or photo in uniform. Cheeseburger in Paradise On Monday, November 11 get a complimentary All-American Burger with fries to active and retired military personnel. Dine in only and must purchase a beverage and present proof of service. Chili’s Free Meal Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu on Monday Nov. 11th. Must show proof of military service. Einstein Bagels Free Bagel and Shmear This Veterans Day from 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all active, inactive and retired military personnel are invited to receive a Free Signature or Classic Bagel and Shmear, or any other topping, and no purchase is necessary. Famous Dave’s Free or Discounted Meal Famous Dave’s is providing a variety of free meals and discounts at participating locations to former and current military personnel on 11/11/2013. Offers vary by location. Fatz Eatz and Drinkz On this Veteran’s Day, 11/11/2013, Veterans and Active Duty military can enjoy a free entrée up to a $15 value. No purchase required! Also, each veteran will receive a $2 coupon for use on his or her next visit. Friendly’s Free Breakfast and Coffee Get a free Big Two Do Breakfast and coffee on Veteran’s Day, 11/11/2013. Golden Corral Free Meal Monday November 11th from 4 PM to 9 PM get a free Veterans Day buffet and beverage to any veteran who has served in the United States military or is a current active duty service member. All Golden Corral locations will be participating. No identification is required to get your free Veterans day meal. Hooters Free Meal Monday, Nov. 11, Hooters invites all veterans and current servicemen and women to a free meal, up to $10.99 in value with any drink purchase, by presenting a military ID or proof of service at any Hooters location across the country. Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House Free Meal Monday November 11th from 11 AM to 9 PM veterans and active duty eat free from a select menu. Krispy Kreme Free Doughnut & Coffee Offering a free doughnut and coffee to all those served or currently are serving. Proof of military service required or those in uniform. Only at participating locations. Little Caesars Free Crazy Bread All United States armed forces veterans and active military members get a free order of Crazy Bread® with proof of military status at participating stores nationwide this Veterans Day, 11/11/13. Longhorn Steakhouse Free App From Nov. 11 – Nov. 14, service members receive a complimentary appetizer from a list of 10 delicious options, including New! Crispy Fried Green Beans, Lobster-Crab-and-Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms and Sweet Chili Shrimp. Includes veterans and current service members. Max & Erma’s Free Cheeseburger Combo Meal with Dessert On Veterans Day, Monday Nov. 11, participating Max & Erma’s locations are celebrating veterans and active military personnel with a Cheeseburger, choice of soup or salad and a chocolate chip cookie. McCormick and Schmick’s Free Entree Enjoy a complimentary entree on Sunday November 10th, 2013. All veterans must show official verification. Veterans Day entrees must be enjoyed at the restaurant. No to-go orders permitted. Menchie’s Free Frozen Yogurt On Veterans Day, Monday, November 11th, 2013 Veterans and active duty personnel get a a free 6 oz. frozen yogurt. Show a valid ID or be in uniform to receive. Noah’s Bagels Free Bagel and Shmear This Veterans Day from 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all active, inactive and retired military personnel are invited to receive a Free Signature or Classic Bagel and Shmear, or any other topping, and no purchase is necessary. O’Charley’s free meal On Monday, November 11 all veterans and all active-duty military personnel will have their choice of one of nine meals on the O’Charley’s “$9.99er” menu. Options include O’Charley’s Famous Chicken Tenders & Twisted Chips, Cowboy Sirloin, Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie and Santa Fe Tilapia, among others. Olive Garden Free Meal All veterans and military active duty will receive a free meal from a special menu on Veterans Day. Also, all November current military service members and their families get 10% off in honor of Military Appreciation Month. On The Border Free Entree All veterans and active duty military will receive a free entree from the “Create Your Own Combo menu” on Monday, November 11, 2013. OTB will also donate 15% of all eligible sales on Veterans Day from guests who bring in a give-back flyer. Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage Military personnel and veterans get a Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage. Must have valid identification. Plus, get 10% off all meals from Nov. 12 through Dec. 31. Paciugo Gelato Caffe Paciugo will thank our nation’s veterans and troops on Veterans Day with a free 12 oz Gelatte on Monday, November 11, 2013. Military guests will need to provide proof of military service. Red Lobster Free App & drink From Nov. 11 – Nov. 14, service members receive a complimentary Texas Tonion appetizer and non-alcohol beverage. Includes veterans and current service members. Red Robin Free Burger and Fries All Veterans and Active Duty Military get a free Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Monday, Nov. 11. Sheetz Midnight 11.11 to Midnight 11.12 vets get a free 6″ turkey sub and 20oz fountain drink. Shoney’s Offers Free All-American Burger Shoney’s says ‘Thank You’ to America’s heroes by offering Shoney’s All-American Burger to All Veterans and Active Duty Military Members on Monday, November 11th. Sizzler Free Lunch Active duty and retired members of the military get a free lunch on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2013 until 4 p.m. Guests with proof of military service will select a six-ounce six-ounce Tri Tip Steak, single Malibu Chicken or a half dozen Fried Shrimp entrée with a choice of side dish. Note this offer does not include veterans. Spaghetti Warehouse Buy 1 Get 1 Free Meal On Sunday, November 10th and Monday, November 11th choose 1 original spaghetti entrée or 15-layer lasagne, get the 2nd entrée free. Texas Roadhouse Free Lunch Select from a free special veterans lunch menu including a beverage and sides no November 11th, 2013. TGI Fridays Free Lunch Veterans and active duty military service members are invited have lunch on T.G.I Friday’s this Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop Free Doughnut Veterans and active-duty military will receive a free doughnut. No purchase required. Valid ID required or show up in uniform. Travel Centers of America Free Meal On Veterans Day, November 11, all CDL drivers who are Military Veterans eat FREE at participating full-service restaurants with proof of service. Must present valid ID. Tucanos Brazilian Grill All active duty, reserve and retired military and veterans receive a complimentary Churrasco meal on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Also, get 10-percent off the entire bill for veterans and troops who dine with their families, from Friday, Nov. 8 through Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11. Twin Peaks Free Meal On Monday, November 11 all veterans, active and retired members of the Armed Forces are invited to visit Twin Peaks for lunch or dinner and select any meal from the Twin Peaks menu. 2012 Restaurants – Most are Expected to be Offered in 2013 Baker’s Square Free Slice of Pie Get free slice of pie to veterans and active military. BJ’s Restaurant Free Lunch or Pizza All veterans and active duty military get a complimentary lunch entree or a one topping mini or individual pizza. Simply present proof of service. Carrows Free Slice of Pie Get a free slice of pie with any purchase. Present military ID. Chevys Fresh Mex We’ll quote their Facebook status “Many of our Chevys locations are offering 20% off today (and every day) to veterans and active military with military ID. Check your nearest Chevys for what’s happening there today.” Claim Jumper 15% Off Official Facebook posting, “Today and tomorrow we are giving all veterans and active military members and their family or friends 15% off all food purchases. Offer is valid on up to 4 people. To receive this offer please show your military ID or DD form 214.” Coco’s Free Slice of Pie Get a free slice of pie with any purchase. Present military ID. Denny’s All You Can Eat Pancakes Get all you can eat pancakes for all active duty military and veterans with a valid ID. Great American cookies Free cookie All those who served get a free cookie with valid military id. Green Turtle Free Meal All of the casual dining restaurant/sports bar chains’ locations across Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Washington, D.C., will free offer meal items. This is offer is for current and former service members. Hy-Vee Free Breakfast Hy-Vee is providing free breakfast during regular breakfast hours. Mimi’s Cafe Free Meal with a Purchase Free lunch or dinner entree with the purchase of a meal plus two beverages. Must bring coupon. Soup Plantation Free Meal with Purchase Past and present military can receive a free meal with the purchase of another regular priced meal. Just show proof of military service or be in uniform. Sweet Tomatoes Free Meal Free Meal with Purchase Past and present military can receive a free meal with the purchase of another regular priced meal. Just show proof of military service or be in uniform. Texas Corral Free Entree A free entrée on Veterans Day to vets and active duty. Unofficially we believe it’s Sunday but their website just says Veterans Day. Call ahead to confirm. Tony Roma’s Free Entree Those who have served and are currently serving get a free entrée. Uno’s free entrée or pizza with a purchase Get a free entrée or individual pizza with an entrée or pizza purchase or equal or greater value and with a military or veterans ID. Village Inn Free Pie or Pancakes Veterans Day get a free slice of pie or a free stack of buttermilk pancakes to veterans and active military. Companies that haven’t announced Veteran’s day specials but have in the past include 7-11, Sports Authority, Subway Restaurants. We’ll keep you posted! Tips Before Heading Out Review the official site information and rules before heading out. Many websites are listing previous years promotions that are no longer valid. We link to the official information. Be sure to bring proof of military service, uniform photo or be in uniform. Proof of military service varies by company. See the list of states now offering a Veterans designation on a driver’s license. Pay attention to the dates on the Veterans Day offer as some offers are for Sunday November 10th or extended over several days. Many of the restaurant free meals are for dine in only. Many of these promotions include small print that says participating locations only. Unfortunately individual franchisees may choose not to participate. Fortunately, some franchisee’s participate even if the corporate company does not. Call ahead if you’re unsure about anything. Thank you for your service! For a complete list of military discounts year round check out our Military Discounts page. Links to More Veterans Day Deals & Discounts List of Store Discounts, Free Services and Veterans Day Deals for Veterans – Includes free or discounted hotels, car wash’s, haircuts, oil changes, free park access and much more. List of Local Veterans Day Deals for Veterans – Local area Veterans Day specials. Veterans Day Free Meals Guide – A visualization of a free day for Veterans. Read more: http://militarybenefits.info/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/#ixzz2jxh7PIwp

Happy Birthday Bobbie! Tomorrow, we're riding to Wagon Wheel (Fort Lawn) for lunch, via around Wateree. So far, just another couple is joining us, maybe just a few more(?). Good buffet (lots of fried food). Leaving Waffle House, I-20 exit 92 at 11 AM. Join us if you want a pretty Sunday ride. Mike & Carol G.

A business associate goes to China a couple of times a year. He showed me a pic of a biker group,,, retired men on 125's going for a week ride. Happy bunch. But the "reality bytes" of MC riding there,,,, well probably no RSV's. See this Wiki link. Go 2/3 the way down for "Motorcycles". That is indeed beautiful country! But, I think I like our MC freedom better. http://wikitravel.org/en/Driving_in_China Oh,,, there is a "bike tours" section with links.

On my RSV, I tried a few recommended ones. Bought one set new and sold them the next week,,, loud tin to my ears,, liked by others. Ended up getting a set of Road Kings from this site. They add just enough to get past the sewing machine noises, but no headache after several hours of riding. I mean,,,, it is a touring bike. Got Baron's 4-2-4's on my RSTD. In Love the V-4 sound!! Love to crack it when I'm at a stop, or let the wife know I'm home. But after a day's ride on it, my ears have that sound for a few hours. Hey,,, it's my solo bike.